Postmenopausal Bleeding

(Bleeding, Postmenopausal; PMB)

Definition

Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is bleeding from the vagina that happens after a woman has stopped having regular menstrual periods due to
menopause
. A woman is considered to be in menopause if it has been 12 months since her last menstrual period. This usually occurs between 40 and 58 years of age. Any vaginal bleeding that occurs 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period is considered PMB.

PMB should always be reported to a doctor. Often, the cause is not serious. However, PMB may sometimes be the first sign of a serious disease, such as
uterine cancer
.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. The first priority is ruling out cancer. Treatment will depend on the findings of your tests and the cause of the bleeding. For instance, if your tests show signs of uterine cancer, your doctor will refer you to an oncologist (a doctor who specializes in treating cancer).

Perimenopausal bleeding and bleeding after menopause. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq162.pdf?dmc=1&amp;ts=20121221T1430328285
. Accessed December 21, 2012.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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